Question:
Can someone please explain what the MINI GASTRIC BYPASS surgery is?

   — marcia5000 (posted on March 6, 2009)

March 6, 2009
Here is a link to look at: http://gastricbypassfacts.info/articles/mini-gastric-bypass-the-ideal-weight-loss-solution.html . Basically, the way I understand it, and I won't say that I am an EXPERT on this, but instead of performing the RNY, what the surgeons do is LOOP the intestines to connect the stomach to the intestine. This often causes problems with the digestive acids from the INTESTINES from going back into the STOMACH and sometimes the ESOPHAGUS. This was an EARLY form of the Gastric bypass, and it is not frequently used now BECAUSE of this problem. It IS quick and easy for the surgeon to perform. If I had to choose, I would AVOID this option. The RNY was designed to KEEP the gastric juices from flowing back into the stomach. The RNY was the replacement for this procedure. There are other options available to you, however. The VSG is almost exactly as effective as the RNY, and is MUCH LESS invasive. There are far fewer side effects. There is no need for supplements or blood work. The down side of the VSG is that many insurance companies still consider it to be an "experimental" procedure, despite the fact that there is plenty of data to support the efficacy of the procedure. The problem is that the procedure was not used for WEIGHT LOSS in the US for more than 10 years. It has been used for the removal of ULCERS and STOMACH CANCER, and one of the noted SIDE EFFECTS was weight loss. However, since the agencies that certify procedures in the US will only accept data if it is from procedures that are done IN the us, and for procedures that are done FOR the specified REASON, the VSG is NOT certified as an acceptable option for weight loss by the US government. If you want to find out more about your weight loss options, check out my profile page at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/ . Look for my post titled "Surgical Comparisons." If you can't find it on the main profile page, look for it on the March 2008 Archives. I hope this helps. Hugh
   — hubarlow

March 9, 2009
Marcia, The mini GP is where they do a surgery in about 30 minutes where they remove 6-7 foot of the small intestine.You get out of the hosptal usually on the same day Check out Dr.Rutledge on internet or simply Mini Gastric Bypass.Hope his helps Mike
   — 2lazy2Mike